Choosing a Pet Bird

Choosing a Pet Bird

Five bird breeds that are great to have as a pet

So you want a pet bird. Where do you start? Whether you’re familiar with the bird species, or you have absolutely no idea where to begin, we’ve got some info. to help you make a decision when it comes to choosing the perfect feathered friend.

First things first: Size. PetMd suggests the size of your home does matter when it comes to owning a bird. Certain breeds require a large sized cage, while others not so much.. Inadequate space for a not- so- small tweeter can result in a not -so happy pet-and we don’t want that.

African Grey Parrot

Congo Grey Parrot (Photo: Parrotscare.blogspot.com)

Timneh African Grey (Photo: birdsbyJoe.com)

Two types: Congo African Gray and the Timneh African Grey.

Length: The Congo, is about 33 cm long (considered to be a large bird);

Timneh: anywhere from 22-28 centimeters long (considered to be a medium–sized bird)

Color: Congo-Black beak, gray feathers, and red tail feathers; Timneh is a bit lighter, as its dark gray and has maroon tail feathers.

Life Span: Over 49 years!

How much do they cost? According to Featherme.com , they can range anywhere from $1000-$2000.

What they eat: Aside from Parrot pellets, which can be bought from stores such as PetSmart and PetCO, they can much on sweet potatoes, carrots, yellow and butternut squashes, collard greens, broccoli kale, chili, celery, zucchini cucumbers, green beans, peas, melons, kiwi, apples, mangos, grapes, oranges, and berries

Other interesting info.: Expect to enjoy this parrot. Just make sure to have several safe toys, as it likes to stay busy.

A perk? They’re super intelligent. Studies have found that not only are they amazing talkers and mimickers (of humans, but also of household items such as kitchen appliances, radios, and even other pets), but some can also identify colors, shapes, and numbers.

Cockatiel

A handsome Cockatiel (Photo: laferber.com)

A family of cockatiels enjoying the sun (Photo: laferber.com)

Length: About 12 inches

Life Span: 15-20 years

How much do they cost? According to cockatiel.com, they can range anywhere from $40-$150, and sometimes even more.

Colors: Grey, Yellow, Cinnamon, Pearl, White, Whiteface, and Fallow.

What they eat: Seeds, which can be found at PetSmart and Petco, but they can eat such veggies as: sprouts, spinach, turnip greens, swiss chard, mustard greens, broccoli, escarole, chicory, tomatoes, beet greens, bok choy, apricots, carrots, collard greens, corn on the cob, endives, kale, yams, pumpkin, mangos, peaches ,apples, bananas, and grapes, . You can even feed them small amounts of protein such as a hardboiled egg or very little chicken.

Other interesting info: They’re a very gentle, yet an active loving pet that is quite the social one, and likes to be touched. You will hear some whistling and mimicking as well. If you want them to talk more, hand feed them. Be aware that you may wake up in the middle of the night sometimes, as the Cockatiel is known to have night terrors, says BirdChannel.com. It’s recommended that you put a night light in your pet’s room.

Cockatoo

Yellow Crested Cockatoo

Length: Anywhere from 12-26 inches

Life Span: 50-70 years!

How much do they cost? Anywhere from $500-$10,000 according to Birdtricks.com, depending on the type of Cockatoo.

Color: Though they can range from various colors, a lot of them have either white or black within their body. A listing of the several types of Cockatoos can be found right on the Avianweb.

What they eat: Pellets and seeds that can be bought at any pet store such as PetCo or PetSmart; however cockatoosanctuary says that these guys can eat fruits and veggies such as: apples, kiwi, blackberries, banana, figs, raisins, dates, broccoli, carrots, watercress, green beans, sweet corn, and swiss chard.

Other interesting info: Choose a permanent place for your Cockatoos cage, as they like to feel safe and secure.. This birdie will definitely be attached to you, as they are considered to be one of the most co-dependent birds. Get ready to feel loved, and to give love!

How much do they cost? Anywhere from $150-$900 depending on type and location

What do they eat?: Bird seeds and pellets, as well as fruits and veggies such as: broccoli, carrots, apricots, collard greens, honeydew melon, pears, peppers, plums, and red beets. You can find more ideas at: Conure Community

Other interesting info: They’re known for being quite noisy. Depending on the time you have, and your availability for the littler tweeter, determines whether or not a Conure is the right bird for you. For this one, he or she, is known for desiring attention, and needs to play. Wooden toys, as betterwords states, is a must. They love to stay busy. And not mention, love love love to chew. Just think: Chew. Tweet. Play. That’s a conures lifestyle.

Budgerigars aka the Parakeet

Budgerigars

Length: About 8.5 inches

Color: Various –Take a look at BudgiePlace for more info. on the types and colors

Life Span: They can live anywhere from 5-12 years old

How much do they cost?: Anywhere from $10-$60

What they eat: Pellets are a great way to feed him or her. Adding small quantities of fruits and veggies such as the following are great as well: apples, salad cress, grated carrots, grapes, pumpkin, papaya, mango , spinach, and broccoli.

Other interesting info: Also called the Budgie for short, these guys are great to have as a pet. Although they can be a bit messy, as you’ll have to be willing to keep their cage clean every day, they’re very intelligent. They love interaction, and are a flock bird, so add another friend –it would be great for their social life.

Just by doing a little bit of research on something you desire, will make all the difference, or at least aid you in narrowing down your options! Price, size of needed space,

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